Bioscience Technology articles from January 2007

Bioscience Technology archives from January 2007

Cell-based assays.(Biology for the Information-Age)(Cover story)
January 1, 2007... To study organisms under conditions more closely resembling their natural environment, many researchers are moving from biochemistry-based to cell-based assays. "Cell-based assays provide a highly accurate representation of cellular behavior...

Time (and business) does not wait.(Editor's Note)
January 1, 2007... During dinner-time discussion a few nights back, a local family with two sons who have cystic fibrosis came up. In passing, my wife bemoaned how opposition to stem cell research might be holding back progress in treatment of certain diseases....

Tissue, genetic storage facility.(Research News)
January 1, 2007... The National Genetics Institute (NGI), a subsidiary of Laboratory Corporation of America, is creating a tissue and genetic storage facility in Iowa City, Iowa. The repository of biological materials is to be called BioTrust, because it links...

SGI, Microsoft, to offer HPC cluster.(Research News)
January 1, 2007... SGI and Microsoft have announced that the Windows Compute Cluster Server will be available on SGI Altix XE cluster systems beginning in March. Windows CCS will be available on the new SGI Altix XE310 server and Altix XE1300 cluster system,...

Tissue imaging service.(Research News)
January 1, 2007... Protein Discovery, Inc. has announced Tissue Imaging By-the-Slice, a service that reads and delivers tissue imaging MALDI mass spectrometry data from a customer-supplied tissue sample. Information is available at www.proteindiscovery.com.

Nucleic acid purification instrument.(January's Innovations)
January 1, 2007... The iPrep push-button nucleic acid purification system is powered by ChargeSwitch technology. The technology allows sensitive DNA isolation without the use of ethanol or guanidine, which can be detrimental to downstream applications. The system...

Microscope camera.(January's Innovations)
January 1, 2007... DP25 CCD camera offers 5-megapixel imaging for documentation, publication, and image analysis requiring high-resolution. Full-resolution (2560 x 1920 pixels) live image preview is provided at a frame rate of 8.4 frames per second (fps). Readout...

Kinase TR-fret assay.(January's Innovations)
January 1, 2007... Transcreener Assays utilize homogenous immunodetection of nucleotides to provide robust, generic detection of entire families of drug targets. The competitive, time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) immunoassay, for the...

Biopolymer calorimeter.(January's Innovations)
January 1, 2007... The Nano DSC series III biopolymer calorimeter features built-in computer controlled cell pressurization, which allows the volumetric properties of biopolymers to be determined. The instrument can detect heat changes with as little as 10...

Gene expression kit.(January's Innovations)
January 1, 2007... GenomeLab GeXP Pat MultitoxPlex Kit, for preclinical drug research screening, contains 25 genes involved in key toxicological pathways including stress, DNA damage and apoptosis. Three reference genes and one internal standard are included. The...

Cell-based, multiplex high-throughput assays.(January's Innovations)
January 1, 2007... The FDSS6000 cell-based assay system collects assay and orthogonal data in the same experiment. For example, library compounds that either quench fluorescence of a given dye or autofluoresce are identified using both Fura-2 AM and Fluo-4 AM...

Adenoviral shRNA expression vector reagents.(January's Innovations)
January 1, 2007... Adenoviral shRNA expression vector reagents in this release targeting the human druggable genome represent all the major protein classes amenable to small molecule intervention, including kinases, GPCRs, ion channels, proteases, nuclear hormone...

Microbial identification, kinetic characterization.(January's Innovations)
January 1, 2007... The Biolog, Inc. method for microbial identification allows labs to identify and characterize a range of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria across diverse fields of microbiology. With the added capabilities of Phenotype MicroArray...

System automates nucleic acid extraction.(DNA Research Focus)
January 1, 2007... The FormaPure system extracts DNA and RNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. The system can be automated on the Beckman Instruments Biomek NX Span-8 Laboratory Automation Workstation to process 96 samples in just four...

Transfection of sensitive cells.(DNA Research Focus)
January 1, 2007... PromoFectin provides reliable delivery of nucleic acids into a variety of cell types, including many hard-to-transfect cell lines and primary cells. It consists of a robust, proprietary non-liposomal polymer that is stable, water-soluble and...

Protein-protein interaction screening.(DNA Research Focus)
January 1, 2007... Customized yeast two-hybrid screening allows quick identification of novel binding partners for membrane or soluble proteins. The genetic screening system for integral membrane proteins is offered for use by researchers who perform the entire...

Bacterial protein extraction reagent.(DNA Research Focus)
January 1, 2007... SoluLyse bacterial protein extraction reagent provides an efficient method for bacterial cell lysis and protein extraction under non-denaturing conditions. The reagent is quite compatible with purification resins, resulting in high yield of...

Cell culture biochips for imaging the directed motion of cancer cells: the new chemotaxis system is intended for the observation of slowly migrating cells (cancer cells, endothelial cells) in real time.(Biochemicals & Kits)
January 1, 2007... Introduction Recently, there have been major developments in the optical analysis of processes inside living cells. Fluorescence methods, confocal microscopy and evanescent field techniques have become indispensable tools for cell imaging....

Immunoassay Vor IVD applications.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Dynabeads MyOne Immunoassay (Carboxyl) immobilizes small antigens such as peptides, steroids and hormones to the surface of beads. The beads are functionalized with a controlled number of carboxylic acid groups. The antigen of choice can then...

HDAC cellular activity assay kit.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... The HDAC Fluorimetric Cellular Activity Assay provides the reagents and protocols needed for determining rates of intracellular deacetylase activity within cultured cells and is suitable for high-throughput cell-based deacetylase assays. HDACs...

Cell migration assay.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Cultrex 96-Well Cell Migration Assay was created in an effort to accelerate the screening process for compounds that influence chemotaxis, which is a fundamental cellular function, important in processes such as angiogenesis, embryonic...

Kinase inhibitors.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor line includes selective inhibitors for CDK-1, CDK-2, CDK-4, CDK-5, GSK-3B, and other enzymes. The entire family is covered on a wall chart listing each inhibitor's name, structural formula and target...

Insulin-like growth factor-I.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Bulk IGF-I (BIP) is available for use in large-scale applications. IGF-I is an insulin-like growth factor used to supplement serum-free media. Bulk packaging eliminates the need for multiple vials and reduces risk of a compromised product....

Fast cycling PCR kit.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Fast Cycling PCR kit does not require optimization (e.g. redesigning primers or PCR protocols, and therefore enables time and cost savings without the need for new equipment. This product is for research use only and is compatible with all...

GPCR antibodies.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... GPCR antibodies, provided as affinity-purified polyclonal rabbit sera specific to various G Protein-Coupled Receptors, are optimized for histochemistry in human tissues using formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded sections. Expression patterns...

HS DNA Polymerase with GC Buffer.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... PrimeSTAR HS DNA Polymerase with GC Buffer has been developed for high-fidelity amplification of high GC (>75%) templates. It offers both maximal accuracy and higher amplification efficiency than Taq Polymerase. The GC buffer formulation...

System automates nucleic acid extraction.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... The FormaPure system extracts DNA and RNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. The system can be automated on the Beckman Instruments Biomek NX Span-8 Laboratory Automation Workstation to process 96 samples in just four...

Yeast DNA purification kit.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... MasterPure Yeast DNA Purification Kit enables efficient purification of high molecular weight DNA from yeast and filamentous fungi. The protocol involves non-enzymatic cell lysis at 65 C, followed by removal of protein by precipitation, then...

Testing method for RNA in fixed tissue samples.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Using qNPA (quantitative Nuclease Protection Assay) technology, researchers can quantitate RNA expression for up to 16 targets simultaneously in FFPE tissue sections without the need for extraction or target amplification. Whole assay CVs are...

Screening technology for lead identification, optimization.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... The Fragments of Life library (deCODE chemistry & biostuctures) consists of more than 800 small molecules for fragment-based crystallographic screening. It is intended to serve as an additional tool to enhance the company's contract drug...

Automated pipetting systems.(Sample Prep: Focus)
January 1, 2007... The epMotion automated pipetting system offers application flexibility and pipetting accuracy. Features include a 4 to 12 position deck that accommodates sample holders from single tubes to 384-well plates; accuracy from 5% CV at 1 [micro]l,...

High throughput homogenizing system.(Sample Prep: Focus)
January 1, 2007... The programmable Omni Prep homogenizer processes six samples per cycle and up to 250 samples per hour. Operation with disposable Omni Tip probes eliminates cross contamination and cleaning. The system uses brushless motor technology to provide...

Solid phase extraction system.(Sample Prep: Focus)
January 1, 2007... Speedy 2002 is an automatic system for solid phase extraction and filtration using either the 96 well format, cartridges or columns. With four independent probes, the system automatically conditions the separation material then dilutes and...

High-throughput liquid handling.(Sample Prep: Focus)
January 1, 2007... GX-274 ASPEC four-probe, fixed-spacing liquid handling instrument processes up to 4 samples in parallel. The system can be configured with 402 dual syringe pumps. Four probe Z-arm increases throughput and efficiency. On-bed reservoirs allow...

Microscope imaging system.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Montage Explorer automated sample scanning and image stitching system facilitates the production of a single, perfectly focused image of an entire slide. The system consists of a high resolution color CCD camera that can be fitted to virtually...

Virtual Slide workstation.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... The BLISS Virtual Slide Scanning system allows scientists to create virtual slides of whole brain slices or other biological specimens traditionally mounted on 1" x 3" and 2" x 3" slides. An automated microscope workstation, service and...

Microcapillary flow cytometry.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... EasyCyte Plus microcapillary flow cytometry system provides automated cell count and viability analyses of a chosen population to QC cells prior to complex staining procedures, preventing waste of cells and reagents. Complex stained cells are...

Low mass microscope stage.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... MS-2000 XYZ automated microscope stage (Applied Scientific Instrumentation, Eugene, OR) retains the benefits of the company's regular compact stage while providing increased thermal response times with 3/4 the mass. The stage measures 200 x 200...

Measure norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... The Model 5300 Coulochem III electrochemical detector provides simultaneous measurement of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5HT) with no interference, and also measures dopamine and serotonin together in less than four minutes....

Laser scanning microscope.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... LSM 5 DUO release 4.2 (Carl Zeiss MicroImaging, Thornwood, NY) laser scanning microscopes provides resolution of 2.4 megapixels in the fast line scan mode and an integrated autofocus function. The unit is based on the inverted microscope...

Parallel evaporation.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... CombiDancer non-centrifugal evaporator eliminates the need for balancing samples prior to loading into carriers within the evaporation chamber. Vortexing, heating and vacuum combine to evaporate samples. Vortexing increases sample surface area...

Fully enclosed incubation system.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Enclosed incubation system for the PerkinElmer UltraVIEW spinning disk confocal microscope can incorporate all leading research microscope frames. Fluorescence observations, including FRAP of live cells, can be performed using the UltraVIEW...

Live cell imaging microscope.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... BioStation IM cell incubation and monitoring system allows users with minimal experience to conduct live cell imaging locally or by remote operation over a public or private network. It provides a system for managing, observing and recording...

Gel imagine system.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Geliance bio-imaging systems incorporate the hardware and software to provide a choice of optics and lighting options for DNA, RNA and protein chemiluminescent and fluorescent experiments. Real-time image capture provides images instantly ready...

Reversed-phase columns.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Atlantis T3 reverse-phase HPLC columns offer long column lifetimes at low pH and excellent peak shape for amine-containing bases at pH 7 with excellent polar compound retention and 100% aqueous compatibility. Additional benefits of T3 bonding...

Autosampler.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Vortex autosamplers consist of an integrated autosampling device and multi-stirrer. The temperature controlled, heated (up to 150 C) multi-stirrer assembly features a stainless steel tray, capable of handling both 20 ml and 40 ml vials. Each...

Microfluidic assays for protein and lipid kinase and phosphatase targets: the assay combines the basic principles of capillary electrophoresis in a microfluidic environment to analyze enzymatic assays with or without the addition of a stop or quenching reagent..(Instruments & System)
January 1, 2007... by Abbie Esterman PhD and Seth P Cohen PhD Introduction Much of the effort to find new drugs has focused on protein kinases and phosphatases, targets that play important roles in the modulation of cell metabolism and disease....

Class II, Type A2 cabinet.(Biological Safety Cabinet: Focus)
January 1, 2007... Labculture LA2 Series Class II, Type A2 biological safety cabinet is certified to NSF49. Two ULPA filters (99.9999% at 0.3 microns) provide operator/environment protection and Class 100 product protection. Single-piece stainless steel inner...

Biosafety cabinet.(Biological Safety Cabinet: Focus)
January 1, 2007... Purifier Digital Delta Series Safety Cabinets provide personnel, product and environmental protection and are suitable for work with agents that require Biosafety Level 1, 2 or 3 containment. Smart-Start System allows programming of start-up...

Quiet cabinet.(Biological Safety Cabinet: Focus)
January 1, 2007... Forma 1400 Series Class II, A2 biological safety cabinet provides power-consumption savings. Operation at 61 dBA reduces the fatigue users experience from extended exposure to loud blower noise. Transparent glass side walls ensure a bright work...

Class II cabinet line.(Biological Safety Cabinet: Focus)
January 1, 2007... Class II biological safety cabinet line includes Type A2, B2 and B1 units. All cabinets offer Class II containment and personnel protection through an air barrier across the front access. B1 cabinets are a hybrid of Type A2 (re-circulating) and...

Vertical cabinet.(Biological Safety Cabinet: Focus)
January 1, 2007... The NCB-D provides personnel, product, and environmental protection and internal contamination control. The cabinet, for work with biological agents of low and moderate risk (Biosafety Levels 1, 2, or 3), is used in microbiological studies,...

Screening live virus targets requiring biosafety level 2 and 3 containment.(Apparatus & Consumables)
January 1, 2007... Over the past few decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the rate of emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases. (1,2) While some diseases did not infect large numbers of people or have high mortality rates, they had economic...

Centrifugal protein fractionation.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Amicon Ultra centrifugal devices enable quick and easy fractionation of protein mixtures. Bi-vertical housing limits membrane polarization, while the hydrophilic microstructure of low-binding Ultracel ultrafiltration membrane enables efficient...

Vented spikes.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Vented spikes feature bacteria-proof ventilation, hydrophobic filters and female luer locks. Latex and PVC-free, the spikes are engineered to require low piercing force and priming volume, and have an MABS housing, PTFE membrane and...

High-pressure fittings.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... High-pressure fittings permits direct connection of 360 micron OD fused silica, PEEK, stainless, or electroformed nickel tubing without having to use liners. Because of the fitting's compact size and fine 2-56 threads, a lead-free connection...

Read/write RFID tag.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... GammaTag read/write RFID (radio frequency identification) tag can be sterilized by gamma radiation. It provides electronic identification and data storage of single-use, disposable components. The tags attach to sample bags, tanks, filters,...

Hotplates and magnetic stirrers.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... The H4000 series hotplates and stirrers have a chemical resistant, ceramic work surface. Stirring speed (60 to 1500 rpm) and temperature (ambient + 5 to 380 C) are controlled via microprocessor and fine adjustment knobs. The units have a...

Safety cabinet.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Purifier Digital Delta Series Safety Cabinets provide personnel, product and environmental protection and are suitable for work with agents that require Biosafety Level 1, 2 or 3 containment. Smart-Start System allows the user to program start...

Pressure and vacuum switches.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... PSW27-28-29 series compact single pole switches are offered for applications requiring moderate accuracy, high reliability and a fixed set-point. No adjustment is needed, simply install the switch into your process with either the 1/8" NPT or...

Disposable 96-well dialysis.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... This Dialyzer is designed for ligand binding experiments including serum protein binding, protein-drug binding, protein-protein binding and protein-DNA binding assays. Each well in the 96-well plate consists of two chambers separated by a...

Positive displacement dispenser.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... UltraSpense 2000 dispenses difficult-to-handle organic solvents into microplates without performance or material degradation. Even at high viscosities, CV's of * KD Scientific 508-429-6809 www.kdscientific.com [ILLUSTRATION...

Capper/de-capper.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... ALTO-8 (ABgene Inc., Rochester, NY) automated capper/de-capper for ABgene Twist-Lock tubes, accesses eight sample tubes at a time. The system reduces the possibility of operator repetitive strain injury. Contamination is reduced both from the...

C[O.sub.2] Incubator.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Hotpack brand ProCulture 150UV Incubators are offered for critical cell culture applications. UV sterilization source reduces decontamination time to 30 minutes, enabling the system to be ready for operation with minimal interruption....

RNase/DNase-free labware.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Manufactured, packaged and certified to be RNase and DNase contaminant free, this line of labware includes cryogenic vials and storage systems, microwell plates and sealing tapes, centrifuge tubes, amplification products and reagent reservoirs....

Ultra-low temperature freezers.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Energy efficient and conventionally-insulated freezers are offered for use in long-term preservation and storage of research samples. The line promotes cost efficient energy consumption and low heat dissipation. The SANYO MDF-Series ultra-low...

Freezer rack configurator.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Online system helps those in need of inventory management find what they need for almost any lab freezer sold in the US. Cstomers can find the freezer(s) they own, determine which type of storage they need, and then order that entire system via...

Lightweight micropipettes.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Acura brand manually operated micropipettes offer users a choice of fixed or variable volume models, single or multichannel capability and an expanded range of dispensing volumes. Lightweight, ergonomic design provides user comfort....

In-laboratory labeling.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Label-Ease labeling system is used in labs with large compound storage libraries, where accuracy and efficiency are crucial. After a thorough analysis of each company's needs, Label-Ease pre-labeled labware is delivered with a one or...

Homogenizing packages.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Micro and MaX-homogenizing packages effectively process samples whether being used for mixing, breaking down sample size, shearing, extracting RNA/DNA or destroying the cell wall. The Micro-Homogenizing package is offered for processing in 0.5,...

Plasmid Prep Filter Plate.(Product News)
January 1, 2007... Plasmid Prep Filter Plate Kit contains plates and seals for five 96-well preparations. A protocol is included, so buffers and solutions can be made fresh and cost-efficiently. All filter plates and accessories are labeled for identification....

Genotyping using unlabeled oligonucleotide detection probes: key to the method is the use of one primer in excess.(Apparatus & Consumables)
January 1, 2007... Method background Homogenous PCR methods for genotyping require expensive fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide probes. We use a single 3'-blocked, unlabeled oligonucleotide probe and the saturating dye LCGreen Plus (Idaho Technology, Salt...

Application of Dry Storage Matrices for DNA sample collection and preparation for Forensic Analysis.(Emerging Technologies in Forensic Science)
January 1, 2007... DNA analysis in forensics is commonplace today. The representations of crime scene analyses on various popular television shows has raised public awareness to the point that jurors are taking it upon themselves to request DNA information in...

Fast injection-to-injection GC.(Emerging Technologies in Forensic Science)
January 1, 2007... Clarus 600 series gas chromatograph delivers fast combined heat-up and cool-down rates. Advanced oven design enables labs to reduce cycle times and improve throughput. The oven cools from 450 C to 50 C in approximately 2 minutes. Accelerating...

Automated Benchtop DNA extraction.(Emerging Technologies in Forensic Science)
January 1, 2007... The Maxwell 16 System (Promega Corp.) fits on a bench and processes up to 16 samples in 20 minutes. Currently, manual DNA extraction requires an average time of 6-8 hours and multiple steps. The combination of bench-top instrument, pre-loaded...

Concentrate genomic DNA.(Emerging Technologies in Forensic Science)
January 1, 2007... The Amicon Ultra-4 100K NMWL centrifugal filter device concentrates human genomic DNA for use in forensic analysis. The device quickly ultra-filters dilute nucleic acid samples for fast separation of genomic DNA from low molecular weight...

Ion signature quantitative deconvolution software.(Emerging Technologies in Forensic Science)
January 1, 2007... Ion signature quantitative deconvolution software is suited for high throughput testing labs working in the areas of forensics and chemicals. A set of advanced deconvolution algorithms is provided for precise, rapid compound identification and...

Carbon fiber forensic tools.(Emerging Technologies in Forensic Science)
January 1, 2007... Carbon fiber tweezers, carbon fiber probes and carbon fiber calipers have been developed for forensic applications since they do not damage surface sensitive evidence material. Carbon fiber tools are wear resistant to reduce contamination and...

Non-contact nanoliter dispensing.(Emerging Technologies in Forensic Science)
January 1, 2007... Hydra eDrop single-channel, non-contact, nanoliter dispensing system is utilized with the Hydra II line of automated pipettors. When coupled with the 96- or 384-channel positive displacement pipetting capabilities of the pipettors, the...

Microwave sample prep.(Emerging Technologies in Forensic Science)
January 1, 2007... [Explorer.sub.SP] small-scale microwave sample preparation system processes samples as quickly as 1 minute. Disposable, 10-ml tubes provide a sample capacity of 0.1 to 7 ml (working volume), making the system suited for applications such as...

GC/MS for drug testing, toxicology.(Emerging Technologies in Forensic Science)
January 1, 2007... GCMS-QP2010 Plus gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer features three distinct technologies. AART (Automatic Adjustment of Retention Time) automatically identifies and quantifies all compounds after a column change. FASST (Fast Automated Scan/SIM...

Trace level molecular analysis.(Emerging Technologies in Forensic Science)
January 1, 2007... Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) kit measures materials at sub-picogram levels. Comprised of a compact, laser-safe spectrometer, a data handling software package, and proprietary Klarite substrates, the kit provides an all-in-one...

Fingerprint Development Chamber.(Emerging Technologies in Forensic Science)
January 1, 2007... Benchtop Fingerprint Development Chamber accelerates the development of DFO and Ninhydrin process fingerprints. Fingerprints are detected quickly and with clarity by controlling temperature and relative humidity. Fingerprints develop in...

Carbon coater.(Emerging Technologies in Forensic Science)
January 1, 2007... Cressington desktop carbon coater 108C auto/SE, for GSR and scanning electron microscopy, has a 6" sample chamber. A feedback controlled carbon evaporation source provides consistency and control. Full automatic or full manual control are...